2010年12月大学英语四级考试真题和答案及解析

2010年12月大学英语四级考试真题和答案及解析月大学英语四级考试真题和答案及解析
Part I Writing (30 minutes) 
Directions ：For For this this this part, part, part, you you you are are are allowed allowed allowed 30 30 30 minutes minutes minutes to to to write write write a a a short short essay essay entitled entitled entitled How How Should Parents Help Children to Be Independent? You should write at least 150 words following 
the outline given below. 
1. 目前不少父母为孩子包办一切目前不少父母为孩子包办一切
2. 为了让孩子独立, 父母应该……
How Should Parents Help Children to Be Independent? 
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Part II Reading Comprehension(Skimming and Scanning) (15 minutes) 
Directions: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions on Answer Sheet 1. For questions 1-7, choose the best answer from the four choices marked marked [A], [A], [A], [B], [B], [B], [C] and [C] and [D]. [D]. For For For questions questions questions 8-10, 8-10, 8-10, complete complete complete the the the sentences sentences sentences with with with the the the information information 
given in the passage. 
A Grassroots Remedy 
Most of us spend our lives seeking the natural world. To this end, we walk the dog, play golf, go go fishing, fishing, fishing, sit sit sit in in in the the the garden, garden, garden, drink drink drink outside outside outside rather rather rather than than than inside inside inside the the the pub, pub, pub, have have have a a a picnic, picnic, picnic, live live live in in in the the 
suburbs, go to the seaside, buy a weekend place in the country. The most popular leisure activity in Britain is going for a walk. And when joggers (慢跑者) jog, they don ’t run the streets. Every 
one of them instinctively heads to the park or the river. It is my profound belief that not only do we all need nature, but we all seek nature, whether we know we are doing so or not. 
But But despite 
despite despite this, this, our our children children children are are are growing growing growing up up up nature-deprived nature-deprived nature-deprived ((丧失). ). I I I spent spent spent my my my boyhood boyhood climbing trees on Streatham Common, South London. These days, children are robbed of these ancient ancient freedoms, freedoms, freedoms, due due to to problems problems problems like like like crime, crime, crime, traffic, traffic, traffic, the the the loss loss loss of of of the the the open open open spaces and spaces and odd odd new new 
perceptions about what is best for children, that is to say, things that can be bought, rather than things that can be found. 
The truth is to be found elsewhere. A study in the US: families had moved to better housing and and the the the children children children were were were assessed assessed assessed for for for ADHD ADHD —attention attention deficit deficit deficit hyperactivity hyperactivity hyperactivity disorder disorder disorder ((多动症). 
Those whose accommodation had more natural views showed an improvement of 19%; those who had the same improvement in material surroundings but no nice view improved just 4%. 
A A study 
study study in in in Sweden Sweden Sweden indicated indicated indicated that that that kindergarten kindergarten kindergarten children children children who who who could could could play play play in in in a a a natural natural environment environment had had had less less less illness illness illness and and and greater greater greater physical physical physical ability ability ability than than than children children children used used used only only only to to to a a a normal normal 
playground. playground. A A A US US US study study study suggested suggested suggested that that that when when when a a a school school school gave gave gave children children children access access access to to to a a a natural natural 
environment, academic levels were raised across the entire school. 
Another study found that children play differently in a natural environment. In playgrounds, children create a hierarchy (等级) based on physical abilities, with the tough ones taking the lead. But when a grassy area was planted with bushes, the children got much more into fantasy play, and the social hierarchy was now based on imagination and creativity. 
Most Most bullying 
bullying bullying ((恃强凌弱) ) is is is found found found in in in schools schools schools where where where there there there is is is a a a tarmac tarmac tarmac ((柏油碎石) playground; the least bullying is in a natural area that the children are encouraged to explore. This reminds me unpleasantly of Sunnyhill School in Streatham, with its harsh tarmac, where I used to hang about in corners fantasising about wildlife. 
But children are frequently discouraged from involvement with natural spaces, for health and safety reasons, for fear that they might get dirty or that they might cause damage. So, instead, the damage is done to the children themselves: not to their bodies but to their souls. One of the great problems of modern childhood is ADHD, now increasingly and expensively treated treated with with with drugs. drugs. drugs. Y et Y et one one one study study study after after after another another another indicates indicates indicates that that that contact contact contact with with with nature nature nature gives gives gives huge huge 
benefits to ADHD children. However, we spend money on drugs rather than on green places. The life of old people is measurably better when they have access to nature. The increasing emphasis for the growing population of old people is in quality rather than quantity of years. And study after study finds that a garden is the single most important thing in finding that quality. 
In wider and more more difficult 
difficult areas areas of of life, there is is evidence evidence to indicate indicate that that natural surroundings improve all kinds of things. Even problems with crime and aggressive behaviour are reduced when there is contact with the natural world. 
Dr William Bird, researcher from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, states in his study, “A natural environment can reduce violent behaviour because its restorative process helps reduce anger and impulsive behaviour.” Wild places need encouraging for this reason, no matter how small their contribution. 
e W e tend 
tend tend to to to look look look on on on nature nature nature conservation conservation conservation as as as some some some kind kind kind of of of favour favour favour that that that human human human beings beings beings are are granting to the natural world. The error here is far too deep: not only do humans need nature for themselves, themselves, but but but the the the very very very idea idea idea that that that humanity humanity humanity and and and the the the natural natural natural world world world are are are separable separable separable things things things is is 
profoundly damaging. 
Human beings are a species of mammals (哺乳动物). For seven million years they lived on 
the planet as part of nature. Our ancestral selves miss the natural world and long for contact with non-human life. Anyone who has patted a dog, stroked a cat, sat under a tree with a pint of beer, given given or or or received received received a a a bunch bunch bunch of of of flowers flowers flowers or or or chosen chosen chosen to to to walk walk walk through through through the the the park park park on on on a a a nice nice nice day, day, 
understands that. 
We need the wild world. It is essential to our well-being, our health, our happiness. Without the wild world we are not more but less civilised. Without other living things around us we are less than human. 
Five ways to find harmony with the natural world 
Walk: Walk: Break 
Break Break the the the rhythm rhythm rhythm of of permanently permanently being being being under under under a a a roof. roof. roof. Get Get Get off off off a a a stop earlier, stop earlier, make make a a circuit of the park at lunchtime, walk the child to and from school, get a dog, feel yourself moving in moving air, look, listen, absorb. 
Sit: Take a moment, every now and then, to be still in an open space. In the garden, anywhere that ’s not in the office, anywhere out of the house, away from the routine. Sit under a tree, look at water, feel refreshed, ever so slightly renewed. 
Drink: Drink: The 
The The best best best way way way to to to enjoy enjoy enjoy the the the natural natural natural world world world is is is by by by yourself; yourself; yourself; the the the second second second best best best way way way is is is in in company. Take a drink outside with a good person, a good gathering: talk with the sun and the wind with birdsong for background. 
Learn: Learn: Expand 
Expand Expand your your your boundaries. boundaries. boundaries. Learn Learn Learn five five five species species species of of of bird, bird, bird, five five five butterflies, butterflies, butterflies, five five five trees, trees, trees, five five bird songs. That way, you see and hear more: and your mind responds gratefully to the greater 
amount of wildness in your life. 
Travel: Travel: The 
The The places places places you you you always always always wanted wanted wanted to to to visit: visit: visit: by by by the the the seaside, seaside, seaside, in in in the the the country, country, country, in in in the the the hills. hills. Take a weekend break, a day-trip, get out there and do it: for the scenery, for the way through the woods, woods, for for for the the the birds, birds, birds, for for for the the the bees. bees. bees. Go Go Go somewhere somewhere somewhere special special special and and and bring bring bring specialness specialness specialness home. home. home. It It It lasts lasts 
forever, after all. 
上作答。

注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

1. What is the author’s profound belief? 
[A] People instinctively seek nature in different ways. 
[B] People should spend most of their lives in the wild. 
[C] People have quite different perceptions of nature. 
[D] People must make more efforts to study nature. 
2. What does the author say people prefer for their children nowadays? 
[A] Personal freedom. 
[B] Things that are natural. 
[C] Urban surroundings. 
[D] Things that are purchased. 
3. What does a study in Sweden show? 
[A] The natural environment can help children learn better. 
[B] More access to nature makes children less likely to fall ill. 
[C] A good playground helps kids develop their physical abilities. 
[D] Natural views can prevent children from developing ADHD. 
4. Children who have chances to explore natural areas ________. 
[A] tend to develop a strong love for science 
[B] are more likely to fantasise about wildlife 
[C] tend to be physically tougher in adulthood 
[D] are less likely to be involved in bullying 
5. What does the author suggest we do to help children with ADHD? 
[A] Find more effective drugs for them. 
[B] Provide more green spaces for them. 
[C] Place them under more personal care. 
[D] Engage them in more meaningful activities. 
6. In what way do elderly people benefit from their contact with nature? 
[A] They look on life optimistically. [C] They are able to live longer. 
[B] They enjoy a life of better quality. [D] They become good-humoured. 
7. Dr William Bird suggests in his study that ________. 
[A] humanity and nature are complementary to each other 
[B] wild places may induce impulsive behaviour in people 
[C] access to nature contributes to the reduction of violence 
[D] it takes a long time to restore nature once damaged 
8. It is extremely harmful to think that humanity and the natural world can 
be________________________. 
9. The author believes that we would not be so civilised without 
________________________. 
10. The five suggestions the author gives at the end of the passage are meant to encourage people to seek _________________ with the natural world. 
Part III Listening Comprehension (35 minutes) 
Section A 
Directions: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At 
the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked [A], [B], [C] and [D], and decide which is is the the the best best best answer. answer. answer. Then Then Then mark mark mark the the the corresponding corresponding corresponding letter letter letter on on on Answer Answer Answer Sheet Sheet Sheet 2 2 2 with with with a a a single single single line line 
through the centre. 
注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

上作答。

11. [A] The man should visit the museums. [C] The beach resort is a good choice. 
[B] She can ’t stand the hot weather. [D] She enjoys staying in Washington. 
12. [A] Her new responsibilities in the company. 
[B] What her job prospects are. 
[C] What the customers ’ feedback is. 
[D] The director ’s opinion of her work. 
13. [A] Combine her training with dieting. 
[B] Repeat the training every three days. 
[C] Avoid excessive physical training. 
[D] Include weightlifting in the program. 
14. [A] When she will return home. 
[B] Whether she can go by herself. 
[C] Whether she can travel by air. 
[D] When she will completely recover. 
15. [A] The woman knows how to deal with the police. 
[B] The woman had been fined many times before. 
[C] The woman had violated traffic regulations. 
[D] The woman is good at finding excuses. 
16. [A] Switch off the refrigerator for a while. 
[B] Have someone repair the refrigerator. 
[C] Ask the man to fix the refrigerator. 
[D] Buy a refrigerator of better quality. 
17. [A] He owns a piece of land in the downtown area. 
[B] He has got enough money to buy a house. 
[C] He can finally do what he has dreamed of. 
[D] He is moving into a bigger apartment. 
18. [A] She is black and blue all over. 
[B] She has to go to see a doctor. 
[C] She stayed away from work for a few days. 
[D] She got hurt in an accident yesterday. 
Questions 19 to 21 are based on the conversation you have just heard. 
19. [A] She was a bank manager. 
[B] She was a victim of the robbery. 
[C] She was a defence lawyer. 
[D] She was a witness to the crime. 
20. [A] A tall man with dark hair and a moustache. 
[B] A youth with a distinguishing mark on his face. [C] A thirty-year-old guy wearing a light sweater. 
[D] A medium-sized young man carrying a gun. 
21. [A] Identify the suspect from pictures. [C] Have her photo taken for their files. 
[B] Go upstairs to sign some document. [D] Verify the record of what she had said. 
Questions 22 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard. 
22. [A] By reading a newspaper ad. [C] By listening to the morning news. 
[B] By seeing a commercial on TV . [D] By calling an employment service. 
23. [A] She could improve her foreign languages. 
[B] She could work close to her family. 
[C] She could travel overseas frequently. 
[D] She could use her previous experiences. 
24. [A] Taking management courses. [C] Working as a secretary. 
[B] Teaching English at a university. [D] Studying for a degree in French. 
25. [A] Prepare for an interview in a couple of days. 
[B] Read the advertisement again for more details. 
[C] Send in a written application as soon as possible. [D] Get to know the candidates on the short list. 
Section B 
Directions: In this section, you will hear 3 short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked [A], [B], [C] and 
[D]. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. 注意：注意： 此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

上作答。

Passage One 
Questions 26 to 29 are based on the passage you have just heard. 
26. [A] They cannot see the firefighters because of the smoke. 
[B] They do not realize the danger they are in. 
[C] They cannot hear the firefighters for the noise. 
[D] They mistake the firefighters for monsters. 
27. [A] He travels all over America to help put out fires. 
[B] He often teaches children what to do during a fire. 
[C] He teaches Spanish in a San Francisco community. 
[D] He provides oxygen masks to children free of charge. 
28. [A] He saved the life of his brother choking on food. 
[B] He rescued a student from a big fire. 
[C] He is very good at public speaking. 
[D] He gives informative talks to young children. 
29. [A] Firefighters play an important role in America. 
[B] Kids should learn not to be afraid of monsters. 
[C] Carelessness can result in tragedies. 
[D] Informative speeches can save lives. 
Passage Two 
Questions 30 to 32 are based on the passage you have just heard. 
30. [A] To satisfy the needs of their family. [B] To fully realize their potential. 
[C] To make money for early retirement. 
[D] To gain a sense of their personal worth. 
31. [A] They may have to continue to work in old age. 
[B] They may regret the time they wasted. 
[C] They may have nobody to depend on in the future. 
[D] They may have fewer job opportunities. 
32. [A] Making wise use of your time. 
[B] Enjoying yourself while you can. 
[C] Saving as much as you can. 
[D] Working hard and playing hard. 
Passage Three 
Questions 33 to 35 are based on the passage you have just heard. 
33. [A] Hardworking students being accused of cheating. 
[B] Boy students being often treated as law-breakers. 
[C] Innocent people being suspected groundlessly. 
[D] Junior employees being made to work overtime. 
34. [A] Forbidding students to take food out of the restaurant. 
[B] Requesting customers to pay before taking the food. 
[C] Asking customers to leave their bags on the counters. 
[D] Allowing only two students to enter at a time. 
35. [A] He was taken to the manager. [C] He was asked to leave. 
[B] He was closely watched. [D] He was overcharged. Section C 
Directions: In this section, you will hear a passage three times. When the passage is read for the the first first first time, time, time, you you you should should should listen listen listen carefully carefully carefully for for for its its its general general general idea. idea. idea. When When When the the the passage passage passage is is read read for for the 
second time, you are required to fill in the blanks numbered from 36 to 43 with the exact words you have just heard. For blanks numbered from 44 to 46 you are required to fill in the missing information. information. For For For these these these blanks, blanks, blanks, you you you can can can either either either use use use the the the exact exact exact words words words you you you have have have just just just heard heard heard or or write 
down the main points in your own words. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written. 
注意：此部分试题在答题卡2上作答。

上作答。

Writing Writing keeps 
keeps keeps us us us in in in touch touch touch with with with other other other people. people. people. W e W e write write write to to to communicate communicate communicate with with with relatives relatives relatives and and friends. We write to (36) _____________ our family histories so our children and grandchildren can learn and (37) _____________their heritage (传统). With computers and Internet connections 
in so many (38) _____________, colleges, business, people e-mailing friends and relatives all the time time——or or talking talking talking to to to them them them in in in writing writing writing in in in online online online (39) (39) (39) _____________ _____________ _____________ rooms. rooms. rooms. It It It is is is cheaper cheaper cheaper than than 
calling calling long long long distance, distance, distance, and and and a a a lot lot lot more more more (40) (40) (40) _____________ _____________ _____________ than than than waiting waiting waiting until until until Sunday Sunday Sunday for for for the the 
telephone (41) _____________ to drop. Students are e-mailing their professors to (42) 
_____________ and discuss their classroom assignments and to (43) _____________ them. They are e-mailing classmates to discuss and collaborate (合作) on homework. (44) 
__________________________________________________________. 
Despite Despite the 
the the growing growing growing importance importance importance of of of computers, computers, computers, however, however, however, there there there will will will always always always be be be a a a place place place and and need for the personal letter. (45) ____________________________________________________. No matter what the content of the message, its real point is, “I want you to know that I care about 
you.” (46) ____________________________________________________________________, 
but only in the success of human relationships. 
Part Ⅳ Reading Comprehension (Reading in Depth) (25 minutes) 
Section A 
Directions: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. letter. Please Please Please mark mark mark the the the corresponding corresponding corresponding letter letter letter for for for each each each item item item on on on Answer Answer Answer Sheet Sheet Sheet 2 2 2 with with with a a single single line line 
through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once. 
Questions 47 to 56 are based on the following passage. 
What What determines 
determines determines the the the kind kind kind of of of person person person you you you are? are? are? What What What factors factors factors make make make you you you more more more or or or less less less bold, bold, intelligent, or able to read a map? All of these are influenced by the interaction of your genes and the the environment environment environment in in in which which which you you you were were were 47 . 47 . The The study study study of of of how how how genes genes genes and and and environment environment environment interact interact interact to to 
influence 48 activity is known as behavioral genetics. Behavioral genetics has made important 49 to the biological revolution, providing information about the extent to which biology influences mind, brain and behavior. 
Any Any research 
research research that that that suggests suggests suggests that that that 50 50 50 to to to perform perform perform certain certain certain behaviors behaviors behaviors are are are based based based in in in biology biology biology is is controversial. controversial. Who Who Who wants wants wants to to to be be be told told told that that that there there there are are are limitations limitations limitations to to to what what what you you you can can can 51 51 51 based based based on on 
something that is beyond your control, such as your genes? It is easy to accept that genes control physical physical characteristics characteristics characteristics such such such as as as sex, sex, sex, race race race and and and eye eye eye color. color. color. But But But can can can genes genes genes also also also determine determine determine whether whether 
people will get divorced, how 52 they are, or what career they are likely to choose? A concern of psychological scientists is the 53 to which all of these characteristics are influenced by nature and nurture(养育), by genetic makeup and the environment. Increasingly, science 54 that genes lay the groundwork for many human traits. From this perspective, people are born 55 like undeveloped photographs: photographs: The The The image image image is is is already already already captured, captured, captured, but but but the the the way way way it it it 56 56 56 appears appears appears can can can vary vary vary based based based on on on the the 
development process. However, the basic picture is there from the beginning. 
注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

上作答。

[A] abilities [I] extent 
[B] achieve [J] indicates 
[C] appeal [K] proceeds 
[D] complaints [L] psychological 
[E] contributions [M] raised 
[F] displayed [N] smart 
[G] essentially [O] standard 
[H] eventually 
Section B 
Directions: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked [A], [B], [C] and [D]. You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. 
Passage One 
Questions 57 to 61 are based on the following passage. 
It is pretty much a one-way street. While it may be common for university researchers to try their their luck luck luck in in in the commercial the commercial world, world, there there there is is is very very very little little little traffic traffic traffic in in in the the the opposite opposite opposite direction. Pay direction. Pay 
has 
always been the biggest deterrent, as people with families often feel they cannot afford the drop in salary when moving to a university job. For some industrial scientists, however, the attractions of academia (学术界) outweigh any financial considerations. Helen Helen Lee 
Lee Lee took took took a a a 70% 70% 70% cut cut cut in in in salary salary salary when when when she she she moved moved moved from from from a a a senior senior senior post post post in in in Abbott Abbott Laboratories Laboratories to to to a a a medical medical medical department department department at at at the the the University University University of of of Cambridge. Cambridge. Cambridge. Her Her Her main main main reason reason reason for for 
returning to academia mid-career was to take advantage of the greater freedom to choose research questions. Some areas of inquiry have few prospects of a commercial return, and Lee’s is one of them. 
The impact of a salary cut is probably less severe for a scientist in the early stages of a career. Guy Guy Grant, Grant, Grant, now now now a a a research research research associate associate associate at at at the the the Unilever Unilever Unilever Centre Centre Centre for for for Molecular Molecular Molecular Informatics Informatics Informatics at at at the the 
University of Cambridge, spent two years working for a pharmaceutical (制药的) company before 
returning returning to to to university university university as as as a a a post-doctoral post-doctoral post-doctoral researcher. researcher. He He took took took a a a 30% 30% 30% salary salary salary cut cut cut but but but felt felt felt it it 
worthwhile for the greater intellectual opportunities. 
Higher up the ladder, where a pay cut is usually more significant, the demand for scientists with with a a a wealth wealth wealth of of of experience experience experience in in in industry industry industry is is is forcing forcing forcing universities universities universities to to to make make make the the the transition transition transition ((转换) ) to to 
academia academia more more more attractive, attractive, attractive, according according according to to to Lee. Lee. Lee. Industrial Industrial Industrial scientists scientists scientists tend tend tend to to to receive receive receive training training training that that 
academics do not, such as how to build a multidisciplinary team, manage budgets and negotiate contracts. They are also well placed to bring something extra to the teaching side of an academic role role that that that will will will help help help students students students get get get a a a job job job when when when they they they graduate, graduate, graduate, says says says Lee, Lee, Lee, perhaps perhaps perhaps experience experience experience in in 
manufacturing manufacturing practice practice practice or or or product product product development. development. development. “Only “Only “Only a a a small small small number number number of of of undergraduates undergraduates undergraduates will will 
continue in an academic career. So someone leaving university who already has the skills needed to work in an industrial lab has far more potential in the job market than someone who has spent all their time on a narrow research project.”
注意：注意： 此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

上作答。

57. By “a one-way street ” (Line 1, Para. 1), the author means ________. 
[A] university researchers know little about the commercial world 
[B] there is little exchange between industry and academia 
[C] few industrial scientists would quit to work in a university 
[D] few university professors are willing to do industrial research 
58. 58. The 
The The word word “deterrent ” (Line (Line 2, 2, 2, Para. Para. Para. 1) 1) 1) most most most probably probably probably refers refers refers to to to something something something that that ________. 
[A] keeps someone from taking action [C] attracts people ’s attention 
[B] helps to move the traffic [D] brings someone a financial burden 
59. What was Helen Lee ’s major consideration when she changed her job in the middle of her career? 
[A] Flexible work hours. [C] Her preference for the lifestyle on campus. 
[B] Her research interests. [D] Prospects of academic accomplishments. 
60. Guy Grant chose to work as a researcher at Cambridge in order to ________. 
[A] do financially more rewarding work 
[B] raise his status in the academic world 
[C] enrich his experience in medical research 
[D] exploit better intellectual opportunities 
61. What contribution can industrial scientists make when they come to teach in a university? [A] Increase its graduates ’ competitiveness in the job market. 。